Ode To a Farmer contest seeking submissions from B.C. poets

Contributed/B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets

Image Credit: www.bcfarmersmarket.org

August 26, 2016 - 12:41 PM

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - As part of the annual Farmers Appreciation Week celebrations, Sept. 12 to 18, the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) is inviting British Columbians to submit their original poems to honour B.C.’s local farmers.

Writers of all levels are encouraged to submit their farm themed-poems to the fourth annual Ode To a Farmer Poetry Contest by midnight, Sunday, Sept. 18.

The grand prize-winner will receive a $150 gift certificate to spend at the B.C. farmers’ market of their choice. Regional winners from the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Kootenay Rockies, Northern British Columbia, Thompson Okanagan, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains, and Vancouver Island will also be chosen and awarded $50 gift certificates. Submissions are being accepted online, by email, and by mail.

"It’s such a pleasure reading poetry from across British Columbia that connects to the land, and to farmers and food,” Renee Sarojini Saklikar, Surrey’s poet laureate and returning judge said. “I always learn something new and am delighted to see so many entries.”

“Last year we received a record 120 submissions of farm and food inspired poems and we are hoping to exceed that again this year,” Georgia Stanley, BCAFM’s Communications Manager said. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to consider the immense skill, time and dedication that goes into growing that fresh food we all value. It’s challenging work and worth celebrating everyone involved.”

The BCAFM is a not-for-profit association that represents 135 farmers’ markets across the province and works to support, develop and promote farmers’ markets in all regions of B.C. For more information on the BCAFM or to find a farmers’ market near you, visit the B.C. farmers markets online.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior